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Oregon’s top high school boys basketball players: Meet the best forwards in 6A (Part 2)

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Oregon’s top high school boys basketball players: Meet the best forwards in 6A (Part 2)


With the 2025-26 Oregon high school basketball season past the midway point, we’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the best boys players in the state.

We continue our look at the top forwards in 6A. Part 2 of the list focuses on the best forwards and wings in the Three Rivers League, Central Valley Conference and Southwest Conference. (Part 1 of the list featured the standout forwards from the PIL, Metro League, Pacific Conference and Mt. Hood Conference.)

We asked every 6A coach in the state to tell us about their star players through the first half of the season. These lists were compiled based on the information provided by the coaches who chose to respond.

Think you belong on this list? Encourage your coach to respond to requests for information about the team! We will continue to add to these lists throughout the month.

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(Note: North Medford coach Scott Plankenhorn and South Medford coach James Wightman declined to identify any standout players on their rosters.)

All statistics are as of mid-January. Check back soon for the poll in which we’ll ask fans to vote for which of these forwards is the best of the best. If you have a photo of a player you would like to share, email jhumburg@advancelocal.com.

BEST FORWARDS IN 6A OREGON BOYS BASKETBALL

Logan Baertsch Kovalchick, jr., Lakeridge

Baertsch Kovalchick received all-Three Rivers League honorable mention as a sophomore. He’s averaging 12 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in league play this season, and he leads the team in one of Pacers coach Jimmy Watts’ favorite categories — charges taken. “He is one of our best all-around players on the team who can score, play defense and do all of the hustle plays that keep us in games,” Watts said.

Lakeridge junior Logan Baertch Kovalchick could be one of the state’s leaders in hustle plays.Gavin Hidalgo

Quinton Bailey, sr., Tigard

Bailey is a first-year letterman who has been invaluable to the Tigers. “He leads the team in scoring at the midway point, and he leads the team in 3-pointers made,” Tigard coach Stu Bailey said.

Quinton Bailey
In his first season on the varsity team, senior Quinton Bailey is Tigard’s leading scorer.Coach Greene

London Butler, so., Sprague

Butler played on the JV team as a freshman. Now? “He is a starter and captain of the team,” Olympians coach Tyler Lewis said. Butler is averaging seven points and five rebounds per game.

Gerrit Cupp, sr., Sheldon

Cupp is averaging seven points, five rebounds and two steals per game. “He brings toughness, athleticism and elite defensive ability to our team,” Irish coach Brian Brancato said. “He is often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player and consistently makes a major impact on that end of the floor.” It’s all part of his team-first attitude. “He stands out as a selfless, caring teammate who will do whatever the team needs to win,” Brancato said.

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Gerrit Cupp
Sheldon senior Gerrit Cupp is a difference-maker on both ends of the court.John Wallace III

Tyson Donnerberg, jr., West Linn

Donnerberg is averaging 11.4 points and six rebounds per game. “Tyson is a slasher who can get to the paint with the ball,” Lions coach Travis Myers said. “He has sneaky athleticism that shows up when he is attacking rebounds.”

Brayden Fleener, sr., South Salem

Fleener is the Saxons’ all-time leader in blocked shots. He’s averaging 2.5 per game this season, along with six points, seven rebounds and 1.5 steals. “Brayden is the backbone of our pressure package defensively,” South Salem coach Kip Ioane said. He received honorable mention all-Central Valley Conference as a junior.

Brayden Fleener
Brayden Fleener does a little of everything for South Salem, including block shots — the senior is the program’s all-time leader in that category.Courtesy of South Salem High School

Kai Holmes, sr., Sheldon

Irish coach Brian Brancato describes Holmes as “a 6-foot-6 wing who brings versatility, skill and a high basketball IQ to our lineup. He is a talented scorer who can shoot and score at all three levels, while also making a strong impact defensively with his length and instincts.” Holmes is averaging 14 points, four rebounds, three assists, two steals and one block per game. His attitude is even more impressive than his numbers, according to his coach. “He stands out as a dependable teammate and person who competes and does whatever is needed to help the team succeed,” Brancato said.

Kai Holmes
Sheldon senior Kai Holmes is an all-around standout player, teammate and person.John Wallace III

Lane Isham, jr., Sprague

“Lane was a swing player for us last season and is now a starter,” Olympians coach Tyler Lewis said. He’s averaging 10 points and five rebounds per game.

Blake Lampert, jr., West Linn

Lampert is averaging 12.5 points per game and has, in the words of Lions coach Travis Myers, “stepped up” as other starters have missed time because of injury. “He is a smooth driver of the ball and is a skilled finisher at the rim,” Myers said. “He is a long 6-foot-2 and is tough to stay in front of.”

Takeo McCrae, sr., Tualatin

McCrae joined the Timberwolves after transferring from Millennium High School in Arizona. “He is one of the best on-ball defenders and has the ability to score 15 points per game,” Tualatin coach Bubba Lemon said.

Takeo McCrae
Tualatin senior Takeo McCrae became an instant star for the Timberwolves upon arriving from Arizona.Chet Lemon

Kyle Nichols, sr., Lakeridge

Nichols can catch fire from the outside, such as when he nailed five 3-pointers to help the Pacers beat Tigard. He’s averaging 10.7 points per game. “Kyle is an extremely good shooter and helps add instant offense from beyond the arc,” Lakeridge coach Jimmy Watts said. “His ability to stretch the floor and his basketball IQ help add a huge plus to our offense anytime he is on the floor.” That’s not all. “In addition to his basketball abilities, he is the ultimate teammate that everyone respects,” Watts said.

Kyle Nichols
Most opponents have learned the lesson by now: Don’t leave Lakeridge senior Kyle Nichols open from 3-point range.Gavin Hidalgo

Cameron Perry, sr., South Eugene

Perry, who received all-Southwest Conference honorable mention as a junior, is averaging 15 points and six rebounds per game while simultaneously having responsibilities in the paint and handling the ball. “Cameron is the heart of our team in a lot of ways as he is an incredibly hard worker, dedicated teammate and positive influence on everyone around him,” Axe coach George Zaninovich said. As of midseason, Perry was shooting 46 percent from 3-point range on more than 60 attempts. “He is hoping to get his shot at a local community college,” Zaninovich said.

Cameron Perry
South Eugene senior Cameron Perry is described as the “heart” of the Axe program.Bonnie Cappa

Liam Rigney, sr., Lake Oswego

Rigney is a returning first-team all-Three Rivers League player. He is the Lakers’ leading scorer at 22.5 points per game, and he gets them in a variety of ways. “He’s one of the most talented scorers in the state,” Lake Oswego coach Tully Wagner said. “Liam is incredibly efficient from 2 at 59 percent but also knocks down 1.5 3’s per game.” He’s also the team’s leading rebounder at 7.3 per game and serves as a team captain and leader. “Liam has a ton of college interest at various levels and is trying to decide where best to play next season,” Wagner added.

Liam Rigney
Lake Oswego senior Liam Rigney is one of the best scorers in the state.Jo Wheat

Alarion Scott, jr., Oregon City

Scott made the all-Three Rivers League second team as a sophomore. He’s averaging 10 points per game this season. “Alarion is a versatile inside/outside player who is an efficient scorer and offensive rebounder,” Oregon City assistant coach Colton Sundquist said.

Ryan Skinner, sr., McNary

Skinner is averaging nine points and four rebounds per game, and he’s shooting 60 percent from the field. “Ryan is the heart and soul of our team,” Celtics coach Ryan Kirch said. “He is tough and competitive and does all the dirty work teams need to be successful.”

Jack Tycast, sr., West Linn

Tycast has been one of the Lions’ saviors with several key players sidelined. “He has been a steady presence through all the injuries,” West Linn coach Travis Myers said. “He can score inside, can knock down the 3. Able to defend multiple positions and rebound at a high level.” Tycast is averaging 13 points per game.

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Brady Watts, so., Lakeridge

Watts is one of the Pacers’ tallest players at 6-foot-4. He missed eight games early in the season with an AC joint strain. “Brady is settling in and becoming the key contributor we saw during the summer and fall,” Lakeridge coach Jimmy Watts said. “He provides essential size and rebounding we were missing for much of the season.” His physical presence was vital in a win against Roosevelt, when he recorded nine rebounds. He has also had some big games on offense, such as a 15-point performance to help the Pacers beat West Linn.

Brady Watts
Lakeridge is a much better team when sophomore Brady Watts is in the lineup.Gavin Hidalgo

Calvin Yoder, sr., South Eugene

Yoder is averaging 13 points, five rebounds and three assists per game. “Calvin is a forward with a great mid-range game and can hit threes with consistency,” Axe coach George Zaninovich said. “He is an emerging leader who has battled through injuries and continues to work as hard as anyone.” Yoder received honorable mention all-Southwest Conference as a junior.

Calvin Yoder
South Eugene senior Calvin Yoder is known for his tireless work ethic.Bonnie Cappa

Branson Young, so., Grants Pass

Young suffered a broken foot before his freshman season, and he played the second half of the campaign for the JV team. “We thought he would contribute this year, but he has exceeded expectations,” Cavemen coach Nate Olson said. “He has become a regular starter and key contributor.” Young is averaging nine points and five rebounds per game. “His high energy, high motor is tough for opponents to keep up with and makes him one of the best offensive rebounders in our league,” Olson said.

For complete coverage of Oregon high school sports, including schedules, scores, recruiting news and additional player spotlights, visit OregonLive’s high school sports section throughout the season.



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Oregon Ducks’ Big Ten Championship Chances Entering Fall Camp

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Oregon Ducks’ Big Ten Championship Chances Entering Fall Camp


Entering the 2026 college football season, the Oregon Ducks are looking to not only win their first national championship in program history but also their second Big Ten title in the last three seasons. 

When the Ducks joined the Big Ten in 2024, they kicked off their inaugural season in the conference in style, finishing the regular season undefeated at 13-0. This regular season was concluded with a thrilling 45-37 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Big Ten championship game. 

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Oregon coach Dan Lanning directs football practice April 5, 2022.

Eug 040522 Lanning 02 | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The Ohio State Buckeyes, however, got revenge for their loss to the Ducks at Autzen Stadium earlier in the regular season, beating Oregon 41-21 in the CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl. Entering the 2026 season, here’s a look at the Ducks’ chances of winning the Big Ten for the second time. 

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Oregon Ducks Big Ten Title Odds: Who’s The Biggest Threat?

Ohio State coach Ryan Day reacts to a play against Northwestern. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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According to the latest betting odds by FanDuel Sportsbook, the Ducks have +270 odds to win the Big Ten championship this season. The one team ahead of them is the Ohio State Buckeyes at +190, who, believe it or not, are in search of their first Big Ten title since 2020. The Buckeyes were upset by the Indiana Hoosiers 13-10 in the Big Ten championship last season. 

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Among the top teams in the Big Ten next season, Ohio State poses the biggest threat to the Ducks’ chances of not only winning a conference title but also the national championship. The Buckeyes and Ducks will face off in what could be the game of the year in Columbus on Nov. 7. 

As exciting as this matchup will be for college football fans, it likely won’t be the only one between the Buckeyes and Ducks. Regardless of which team wins the Nov. 7 showdown in Columbus, the Buckeyes and Ducks could match up again in the Big Ten title game and in the CFP.  

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Other Teams That Pose a Threat to Oregon

May 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Football has coach Curt Cignetti during the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

While the Buckeyes are the main threat to the Ducks’ Big Ten title aspirations, other teams will be worth watching. One of those teams is the defending national champions, the Indiana Hoosiers.

Despite the key losses this offseason, which include Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza, coach Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers restocked talent with the addition of TCU Horned Frogs transfer quarterback Josh Hoover and Michigan State Spartans wide receiver Nick Marsh.

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The only two losses that the Ducks suffered last season came against the Hoosiers. If the two face off in the Big Ten championship, Indiana looks to continue its dominance over the Ducks. The Hoosiers and Ducks don’t play each other during the regular season. 

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Oct 5, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect

The USC Trojans, whom the Ducks will face at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sept. 26, also look to knock off Oregon in what should be one of the top games of the first month of the college football season. Oregon coach Dan Lanning is undefeated 2-0 against USC’s Lincoln Riley and looks to extend the Ducks’ winning streak against the Trojans to five games.  

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

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Oregon Lottery Mega Millions, Pick 4 results for July 14

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The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at July 14, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from July 14 drawing

02-04-10-48-56, Mega Ball: 22

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Pick 4 numbers from July 14 drawing

1PM: 6-3-6-3

4PM: 7-0-0-9

7PM: 2-0-6-0

10PM: 2-5-1-5

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
  • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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Oregon State Police seek witnesses to Hwy 20E crash involving black Chevy Silverado

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Oregon State Police seek witnesses to Hwy 20E crash involving black Chevy Silverado


Oregon State Police are asking for additional witnesses to come forward after a three-vehicle crash on Highway 20E in Deschutes County left two people seriously injured.

Troopers responded at 12:47 p.m. Friday, July 10, to the crash near milepost 41. A preliminary investigation found a westbound 2013 black Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck pulling a single-axle utility trailer attempted to pass a black Dodge 4500 towing a trailer. Police said an eastbound Hyundai Elantra tried to avoid a collision with the Chevrolet, lost control in the gravel on the eastbound shoulder, veered into the westbound lane and collided with the trailer pulled by the Dodge 4500.

The driver and passenger of the Hyundai were flown by air medic to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The crash affected traffic for about five hours. The driver of the Chevrolet was cited for careless driving and unsafe passing.

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OSP is asking anyone who may have seen the Chevrolet driving westbound on Highway 20 at the moment of, or prior to, the collision to contact the OSP Northern Command Center dispatch at 800-442-0776 or *OSP (*677) from a mobile phone. Callers should reference case number SP26-255130.



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